ACC President Selected for Regional CEO Award

The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) has selected Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, Austin Community College District president/CEO, for the Western Regional Chief Executive Officer Award.

Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, ACC president/CEO

The award recognizes Dr. Kinslow’s accomplishments at ACC’s helm over the past six years. He will retire August 31 after 34 years with the college.

“For the past three decades, Dr. Kinslow has dedicated his life and career to making higher education more accessible to all who seek it,” says Dr. Barbara Mink, chair of the ACC Board of Trustees. “His service at ACC and in the community has changed countless lives, and this award is a fitting tribute to his achievements.”

The ACCT awards committee considered the development of innovative programs, service on special committees, demonstration of a caring attitude, support for two-year postsecondary education associations, publishing of two-year postsecondary educational concepts, awards and honors, and overall outstanding characteristics.

“Community colleges have taken on new roles and increased responsibilities in recent years,” notes the committee. “The ACCT awards committee is proud to highlight the exceptional work of Dr. Stephen B. Kinslow, whose service is clearly vital to his region, with the 2011 ACCT Western Regional Chief Executive Officer Award.”

Regional winners are nominated for ACCT’s national Marie Y. Martin Chief Executive Officer Award, which will be announced this fall.

During his tenure with the college, Dr. Kinslow has served as assistant dean, dean, vice president, provost, executive vice president, and interim president. He became president/CEO in 2005 and has led ACC through historic growth and change. Accomplishments include:

  • Record enrollment increases, with the addition of more than 13,000 credit students over the course of his presidency (31,908 in fall 2005 to 45,056 in spring 2011).
  • Building minority enrollment, with 67 percent growth among African-Americans (2,383 to 3,983) and 59 percent growth among Hispanics (7,456 to 11,888).
  • Instituting ACC’s Student Success Initiative and joining Achieving the Dream.
  • Significantly expanding general education courses as well as high-demand workforce programs. ACC now offers more than 235 associate degrees and certificates.
  • Growing the ACC taxing district to include the entire city of Austin as well as the Round Rock, Elgin, and Hays school districts.
  • Opening Round Rock Campus on time, on budget, and at capacity; laying the groundwork for construction of two new campuses in Elgin and north Hays County.
  • Leading the innovative Highland Mall real estate acquisition, which will revitalize an important part of Austin and allow the college to achieve Master Plan goals.

“I am humbled by this honor and grateful for the support of the board, faculty, staff, and students,” says Dr. Kinslow. “I know ACC will continue to play an essential role in this region, helping build a larger, stronger middle class and opening new doors to opportunity.”

Following Dr. Kinslow’s retirement, Dr. Richard Rhodes will become ACC president/CEO. He assumes office September 1.

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